A slab leak is a leak in a pressurised water supply line that runs through or beneath the concrete slab foundation of your home. Most La Jolla homes built before 1990 have copper supply lines embedded in or running just beneath the slab. When those lines corrode or crack from mechanical stress, water escapes into the concrete — and eventually into your subfloor and living space.
Slab leaks are not the same as a leaking pipe under the sink. Because the pipe is encased in or under concrete, you rarely see the water directly. You see the symptoms first, and by the time the symptoms are obvious, the leak may have been running for weeks or months.
The detection process matters more than most homeowners realise. Opening the slab at the wrong location wastes money and causes unnecessary damage. We use two complementary methods before anything is opened.
Electronic acoustic detection listens for the sound of pressurised water escaping the pipe. Under-slab leaks produce a characteristic frequency that trained equipment and an experienced technician can trace to within a few inches of the actual failure point.
Infrared thermal imaging maps temperature differences through the floor surface. A hot-water line failure creates a heat signature that is clearly visible in a thermal scan — even through tile, hardwood, or carpet. For cold-water failures, pressure isolation testing confirms which side of the system is losing pressure and helps narrow the location.
Only after both methods confirm the location do we discuss opening the slab.
There are three legitimate approaches to a slab leak repair, and the right one depends on the condition of the rest of the system — not on which option is most convenient to perform.
Spot repair opens the slab at the confirmed failure point, replaces the failed section of pipe, and patches the concrete. It is the right choice when the pipe is otherwise in good condition and this is the first failure.
Rerouting abandons the under-slab run entirely. New pipe is run through the walls or attic to bypass the failed section. The under-slab pipe is left in place but isolated. Rerouting is appropriate when the under-slab pipe is showing signs of widespread corrosion or when re-accessing the slab would be particularly damaging (tiled floors, finished basements).
Full repiping replaces the entire supply system when the pipe has reached end of service life — typically indicated by two or more slab leaks, widespread pinhole corrosion, or galvanised steel still in service. We explain each option honestly and recommend what is right for the property.
Same-day Plumbing Service For Any Issue Or Concern Related To Leakage, Clogging, Or Malfunctioning Of Appliances.
Get a clear, honest quote before any work begins. No vague ranges, no surprise figures at the end of the job.
The service call itself costs nothing. Whether it's a quick repair or a full system replacement, the visit doesn't add to your bill.
Military personnel, veterans, police officers, firefighters, teachers, and retirees qualify for a 15% discount on services up to $1,000. Just mention it when booking.
A damaged water heater or a slab leak repair isn't something most people budget for. Flexible financing options make it possible to get the work done right without putting it off.
(844) 844-2719
Outstanding Service from EZ Plumbing. They arrived within 1 hour after calling, and they were professional, clean, and knowledgeable. They solved my toilet problem in 10 minutes. I would definitely use them for any plumbing repairs I will need in the future.
I loved working with ez plumbing. From start to finish they made everything easy. They had great communication and customer service. If I ever need any plumbing needs again I will be using them again!
fair prices and great customer service. We will definitely be using them again!
I was very satisfied! I had a plumbing problem and they were there quickly. The issue was resolved and corrected at a reasonable rate.
